ICC Hearings First Step to Develop 2015 Codes

byMichael O'BrianonMarch 19, 2012

Public hearings include the International Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Plumbing and Private Sewage Disposal Codes

Code enforcement officials, other construction industry professionals and the public will meet to consider a broad range of proposed code changes to several International Codes that will improve building safety. Codes developed by the International Code Council are used in all 50 states and many nations worldwide.

The 2012 Code Development Spring Hearings, April 29-May 8 in Dallas, are focused on a set of codes known as Group A that include the International Building, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Plumbing and Private Sewage Disposal codes. These will be the initial hearings for 1,600 proposed revisions that ultimately will result in the 2015 editions of the codes. Code changes approved at the Dallas meeting will form the basis for resolution at the Final Action Hearings in October in Portland, Ore.

Please note that ICC policy has been amended to provide that a jurisdiction or other eligible governmental entity must submit an application to become an ICC Governmental Member by April 1 to be able to send voting representatives to the Final Action Hearings in October.

“The International Code Council supports the building safety community and construction industry by developing codes and standards to ensure safe, sustainable and affordable structures,” said ICC CEO Richard P. Weiland. “The Code Development Hearings in Dallas are a critical step in the process to ensure the International Codes are updated to provide maximum public safety, and provide a forum to discuss and debate the merits of the proposed changes.”

To vote at the Dallas hearings, Code Council Members must submit any new or updated Membership information to ICC no later than April 18. There is no cost to ICC Members or others to register to attend the hearings. For more information and to register in advance. Advance registration allows the ICC to verify voting credentials for Members.

ICC uses the governmental consensus process to develop its codes. It is an open, inclusive process that allows input from all individuals and groups. Final decisions are made by International Code Council voting Members—Governmental and Honorary Members who represent the public’s interest.

Prior to the hearings on April 28, 2:30-6 p.m., attendees are invited to participate in an educational tour of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and earn ICC and AIA CEUs. The expert-led tour will examine engineering and architectural features including the retractable roof and retractable five-leaf, clear glass walls in each end zone that are the tallest moveable glass walls in the world, and historical features. The cost for the tour is $75 and includes transportation.

The hearings will be held at the Sheraton Dallas Downtown Hotel. ICC has secured a special $149 a night rate at the Sheraton for reservations and a limited number of governmental rate rooms for reservations made before April 6.

Discounted ground transportation is available from SuperShuttle at both Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport and Love Field. The cost is $14 per person one way, or $26 roundtrip when using group code: 72WEQ.